Fishing Sprats on Loch Lomond (Page 3).

Preparing the Sprats (contd)

The next step is to lay the sprats flat on an old baking tray. Laying the fish as flat as possible at this stage is important as the next step will preserve them and any twists or bends will remain indefinitely. I bought cheap baking trays for this purpose, as they are unfit for anything else once you use them for fish, but can be used over and over.

(Click the picture to make full size)



(Click the picture to make full size)

Now, the fish require to be preserved, and to do this, you need to buy 40% formaldehyde solution. This is bought from a chemist, but will require a signature, as it is classed as a poison.
Please ensure you wear disposable gloves when handling formaldehyde and work in a well-ventilated room (or outdoors if possible). A strong solution is prepared and poured over the fish to completely cover them. I use two tablespoonfuls of formaldehyde, to one pint of water for my strong solution.


(Click the picture to make full size)

The trays and fish should be left in a cool location; (a garage or garden shed is ideal), for one or two days depending on the time of year. If the temperature is warm, I would give it one day, or two days in the winter months. After this time the sprats should be firm and have set as straight as when they were laid on the tray.


(Click the picture to make full size)

Again, wearing gloves, the sprats should be washed under running water to remove the surplus formaldehyde solution.


(Click the picture to make full size)

Continue to Page 4...